Happy Valley Pride: April 22, 2009

I am dedicating this column to Coleen Wogoman, who recently resigned as a director of the Clear Creek Community Services District, which she has served for many years.

For personal reasons and because she is so busy these days, Coleen thought it was unfair to her constituents to continue in service on the board. On Wednesday, April 15, during our regular board meeting, Coleen handed in her resignation. Through her nine years as a director, she was proactive in getting our water contract with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

Remember when we picketed at City Hall? Colene was the one who brought down her tractor, helped make picket signs and walked the line. I can't tell you how many hours she worked trying to get a new contract. She was on our finance and employees committee.

Coleen remains very involved with children at the elementary school putting on classes about water conservation, showing them how to plant, taking care of the little seedlings and promoting agriculture. She has children come out to her family's farm where they do many hands-on activities. I am sure she has influenced more than a few children to become farmers.

For several years, Coleen held agriculture fairs at her farm promoting agriculture products. She had entertainment, hands-on activities for children, home-made crafts and good food to eat.

Coleen also remains very involved with Happy Valley 4-H and has adopted part of Palm Avenue to keep the roadside clean. She and her family are faithful members of the Cloverdale Community Church.

She is a member in good standing with the Happy Valley Farm Trail. In fact, for several years she ran the Farm Trail. She and Nancy Cameron were instrumental in putting together the Happy Valley Farm Trail Cook Book.

I will certainly miss her presence on the Clear Creek Community Services District board.

What else is happening in Happy Valley?

The Happy Valley Lions Club will hold it first Beer and Wine Festival at the Lions Club, 17592 Hawthorne Ave., from 4 p.m. to who-knows-when on Friday, May 8.

Admission is $25 per person and that price includes beer, wine and music.

Gene Anderson wants to initiate a letter-writing campaign to our representatives about our water situation so I have put together a packet of bullet points, a letter he composed, and a list of addresses for our representatives. It will be available at the water company. If you have an internet connection, you can go online to clearcreekcsd@shasta.com and the information will be posted there.

Make your letter short and personal.

One lady is writing a message to First Lady Michelle Obama, who is putting in a garden at the White House.

I want to put a garden in, too, but I can't because the government has cut back our water.

Gene has other ideas as well, so if you want to get involved, give him a call at 357-3240.

Well, I am out of here.

My son is coming to help me here at the farm. We have a lot to do.

Take care, smile, know that God loves you and so do I.